Full Breakdown
2026 ESPY Awards Celebrate New York Knicks’ Historic Sweep and a Star-Studded Night in Manhattan
7/16/2026, 12:49:38 PM
Event Overview
On Wednesday, July 15, 2026, the 2026 ESPY Awards were staged at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Hosted for the first time by comedian Marcello Hernández, the ceremony honored the year’s top athletic achievements across all major sports. The broadcast aired live on ABC and streamed on ESPN+, marking the event’s return to New York after a five-year stint in Los Angeles.
Background & Context
The ESPYs, presented annually by ESPN (a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Co.), traditionally coincide with a lull in the professional sports calendar. This year, however, the awards followed a packed schedule that included the MLB All-Star Game, NBA summer league, and a surprise FIFA World Cup semifinal in which Argentina defeated England 2-1. The Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973 provided a hometown narrative that shaped much of the night’s focus.
Major Winners & Statistics
- Best Male Athlete / Best NBA Player / Best Championship Performance – Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks).
- Best Team – New York Knicks (NBA champions).
- Best Play – OG Anunoby (Knicks) for his Game 4 tip-in against the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Finals.
- Jimmy V Award for Perseverance – former MLB pitcher Jim Abbott (born without a right hand).
- Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award – Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors).
- Best Breakthrough Athlete – figure-skater Alysa Liu (gold at the 2026 Winter Olympics).
- Best Soccer Player – Lionel Messi (Inter Miami CF), who recorded two assists in the World Cup semifinal.
Other notable winners included Myles Garrett (Best NFL Player, tied to his 23-sack single-season record) and Shohei Ohtani (Best Single-Game Performance for a three-home-run, six-scoreless-inning outing in the NLCS).
On the Red Carpet
A parade of athletes, entertainers and actors filled the theater’s steps, with appearances by Simone Biles, Allyson Felix, Eileen Gu, A’ja Wilson, Kylian Shiffrin, and the Savannah Bananas. Hip-hop legends De La Soul, Ghostface Killah and Slick Rick performed, while couples such as Jalen Brunson and Ali Marks Brunson and Stephen Curry with Ayesha Curry posed for photographers.
Official Statements & Responses
ESPN’s press release highlighted the ceremony as “an ode to the hometown and NBA champion New York Knicks,” emphasizing the city’s role in the night’s narrative. Host Marcello Hernández told reporters the honor “feels crazy,” underscoring the event’s significance for his first stint as emcee. The Walt Disney Co. reiterated its commitment to celebrating “the biggest names in sports from the past year” through its ESPN and ABC platforms.
Criticism & Opposition
No dissenting commentary or criticism was reported in the available coverage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
All sources consistently identified the same winners, dates and venue; no discrepancies were noted.
Verbatim Quotes
- “First and foremost- want to say thank you to my family for sacrificing everything day in and day out,” — Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks point guard
- “I knew what it was like to be different. I knew what it was like to be on the outside looking in, and I knew what it was like to want to prove yourself,” — Jim Abbott, former MLB pitcher
- “It was definitely a huge challenge. It took a village, my friends, my family, my team, the entire country... everyone who was supporting me,” — Savy King, Angel City FC forward
- “Me and my wife Ayesha and what our foundation has been able to do, we're super proud of it,” — Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors guard
- “it is an honor, and frankly feels crazy” — Marcello Hernández, ESPY host
The 2026 ESPYs thus combined a celebration of individual perseverance with a collective triumph for New York’s sports community, setting a high bar for future ceremonies.
